How to Pronounce Penitentiary

To pronounce "penitentiary", say PEN-it-ent-iary — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

penitentiary

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “penitentiary”

"penitentiary" has 4 syllables: pen-it-ent-iary. It rhymes with century and midcentury, if that helps it stick.

What does penitentiary mean?

noun

A state or federal prison for convicted felons; (broadly) a prison.
A priest in the Roman Catholic Church who administers the sacrament of penance.

adjective

Of or relating to penance; penitential.
Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.

Synonyms

pen

Hear “penitentiary” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with penitentiary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

century midcentury

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "penitentiary"?▾

"Penitentiary" has 4 syllables: pen · it · ent · iary.

What is the IPA transcription of "penitentiary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "penitentiary" is /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/.

What does "penitentiary" mean?▾

Penitentiary: A state or federal prison for convicted felons; (broadly) a prison.

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